Use warm memories to replace negative thoughts #LifeLesson 5

WALKING DOG AT NIGHT

 

The Journey Begins

It was 5:30 am.

I put the dog collar on Blackie, my 9-year-old Black Lab, and we began our usual morning walk around the neighborhood, only this time things went a little differently.

I had Blackie’s chain in one hand and my flashlight in the other as we side-stepped the puddles on the sidewalk. The full moon cast an eerie glow.

MOON

A Bad Driver Appears

Blackie and I were near the church when a big pickup truck barreled around the corner and almost hit us. We jumped out of the way, but the car splashed water on us.

The driver yelled out the window, “Stay off the road, x#@x!”

I shined the flashlight in his face and responded, “Hey Speedy Gonzales, keep driving like that and you’ll never have to worry about cholesterol.”

The driver flipped us off as he sped away.

You lookin’ at me?

Blackie and I continued our solitary trek, but not with the same spring in our step.

A few blocks later I saw someone walking two dogs. One was a big brown dog. The other was a short white dog with a long tail. My heart pounded with excitement.

Saving Jack

The white dog was Jack, who I had rescued from certain death in August 2014 when he tried to run across a busy street in the rain. I ran out in the street, picked him up and took him to my house. Jack was a houseguest for two weeks until I located the owner. I hadn’t seen him since.

Spot – My Childhood Friend

Jack reminded me of Spot, the small white terrier that was my pet as a child. My parents didn’t like Spot in my room, but some nights I was terrified that someone was hiding in my closet and I would secretly let Spot sleep on my bed. I felt safe when Spot was with me.


KILLER in closet

Now, the stress from the Speedy Gonzales incident was swept away by the warm feeling of seeing Jack again. Like the morning moon, that feeling lit my path throughout the day!

Lesson:

Use warm memories to replace negative thoughts.

Authors note:

These stories are my attempt to glean insights from the seemingly mundane incidents that occur in every day life. My plan is to capture these “eureka moments” and squeeze all the illumination and inspiration from them, before they can slip through my fingers.

Like the storytelling of Abraham Lincoln, I think one’s own personal stories can transform both the listener and the speaker.

———

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Act Out Characters to Make a Story Sizzle (video)

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You Only Live Twice – Life Provides Second Chances LL #9

Donald Trump vs. Abe Lincoln – #LifeLesson10

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Is it better to remain silent, or to speak up and confirm you’re an idiot? LifeLesson #12

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Virtue Is Its Own Reward

Upcoming Presentations

Nov. 13, 2015. “Once Upon A Time: Inspire and engage your audience with stories.” Present Like a Pro Conference. Desert Diamond Casino. Tucson, Arizona.

Nov. 24th, 2015. “Abraham Lincoln: Stories and Humor.” Cholla High School. Tucson, Arizona.

Dec. 15, 2015, 12:40 to 1:00 pm. “Abe Lincoln: The Greatest Storytelling President.” Old Pueblo Rotary Club. Hotel Tucson. Tucson, Arizona.

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